What could Las Vegas Raiders’ 2026 NFL Draft look like after taking Fernando Mendoza No. 1?

Key Points:

• The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to select Heisman Trophy winner and national champion quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, with general manager John Spytek confirming limited outside interest in trading the pick.
• The Raiders signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to provide mentorship and competition for Mendoza, emphasizing a merit-based approach to the starting quarterback role, with Cousins and rookie Aidan O’Connell also in the mix.
• Spytek has been active in the draft, trading down in the second round to accumulate six more picks, and remains open to trading picks to move up or acquire high-quality players to address team needs.
• The Raiders view the 2025 draft class as strong at key positions including safety, offensive line, and wide receiver, all areas where the team seeks improvement despite recent free-agent signings like center Tyler Linderbaum.
• While Mendoza is the centerpiece of the draft, the Raiders plan to use their multiple picks to bolster the roster depth, particularly focusing on safety, offensive line, and receiver positions to support their rebuilding efforts.